Suspect identified after 2 police officers injured in shooting in South Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The suspect was found and detained a few hours after approx shooting in south los angeles Authorities said two police officers were injured in the incident.

Nija Hill was arrested around 1 a.m. Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Los Angeles officers responded to a report of an armed robbery near the intersection of East 92nd Street and South Central Avenue on Friday at 9 p.m., officials said.

Police say Hill pistol-whipped two victims in an alley adjacent to the laundromat, near 9200 South Central Avenue.

According to police, Hill then entered the laundry room and threatened several other people. The suspect then went outside, where he again threatened several vendors with a firearm, police said.

The laundromat was evacuated and footage showed customers running in several directions, some carrying clothes.

When officers arrived on scene, they saw Hill standing on the sidewalk in front of the laundromat, so he immediately ran away.

Los Angeles police said that during the foot pursuit, the suspect opened fire, striking both officers. Police established a perimeter and called in a SWAT team.

According to police, Hill then apparently tried to steal someone’s car near 93rd Street and Clovis Avenue, but was unsuccessful.

Shortly afterward, officers found Hill, suffering from a leg injury, hiding in a vehicle blocks away from the scene.

He was sent to hospital, where his wound was treated and he was cleared for booking.

Two officers were released from hospital Saturday morning after being treated for minor injuries. Another person – probably the victim of the attack – suffered forehead injuries.

Police initially said the second suspect remained at large, but later withdrew that statement.

According to police, a Glock Model 17, 9 mm semi-automatic firearm and an empty magazine were found in a trash bin near 93rd Street and Clovis Avenue.

Officers also found nine discharged 9mm rounds near where the officers were shot.

Police said shell casings from the gun, magazine and bullets were examined and accepted as evidence.

The incident remains under investigation.

City News Service contributed to this report.